encourages

verb

present tense third-person singular of encourage
1
as in inspires
to fill with courage or strength of purpose a pep talk that encouraged the team to get out there and win

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in promotes
to help the growth or development of asserted that the government should be encouraging small businesses, not smothering them with regulations

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in provokes
to rouse to strong feeling or action the movie's cheap special effects will not encourage audiences to sit on the edge of their seats but to roll in the aisles with laughter

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in urges
to try to persuade (someone) through earnest appeals to follow a course of action the pastor continues to encourage the couple to work out their problems in hopes of saving their marriage

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of encourages The adolescent’s ability to use their phone to access social media and continuous news, interact with artificial intelligence and play games often broadens their perspectives and encourages individual creativity. — Elizabeth Dowdell, Fortune, 15 July 2026 The framework encourages avoiding tobacco, staying physically active, getting sufficient sleep and eating a nutritious diet built around fruits, vegetables, lean protein, nuts, seeds and healthy fats like olive oil. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026 MoDOT encourages people to seek alternative routes during the 11-month closure. — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026 This book encourages readers to get clear about their personal values around money. — Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 13 July 2026 Longer, deeper watering on a less frequent basis encourages strong root systems. — Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2026 This encourages production of new growth and encourages more blooms. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 July 2026 The hotel showcases contemporary artworks throughout its interiors, creating an atmosphere that encourages discovery beyond the city itself. — Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 The pledge also encourages hospitals to emphasize whole grains over refined grains. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 8 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encourages
  1. inspires
  2. promotes
  3. provokes
  4. urges
  5. cultivates
  6. stimulates
  7. nudges
  8. fosters
Verb
  • Joyous Jupiter lifts your 9th House of Travel and Learning, while elusive Neptune inspires your 5th House of Creativity.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 20 July 2026
  • La Albiceleste, which means The White and Sky Blue and is the nickname of Argentina’s team, also inspires another churro in the collection.
    — Sarah Moreno Updated July 18, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
Definition of inspires
Verb
  • Moene argues that this wage compression promotes innovation and dynamism by boosting the profitability of growth industries and by lowering profits in lagging industries.
    — Nicholas D. Kristof, Mercury News, 14 July 2026
  • The insect also produces large amounts of sticky honeydew, which promotes the growth of black sooty mold—a plant disease—that can interfere with photosynthesis and coat leaves, branches, and outdoor surfaces.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 July 2026
Definition of promotes
Verb
  • Another friend recounted the ins-and-outs of her 11-year-old’s baseball league, which provokes more political intrigue than a Hilary Mantel novel.
    — Mary Pauline Lowry, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
  • His jealousy provokes an act of betrayal and cruelty.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 18 June 2026
Definition of provokes
Verb
  • The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) urges those affected by the floods to contact their individual insurance immediately.
    — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 17 July 2026
  • But Leah Hook, founder and principal designer of Gray Oak Studio in Lynnfield, Massachusetts, urges homeowners not to go overboard.
    — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2026
Definition of urges
Verb
  • The Huntington cultivates them on-site and has distributed many to botanic gardens and zoos across the country.
    — Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • This mutually beneficial relationship strengthens organizational learning, cultivates stronger leaders, and promotes collaborative teams, ultimately positioning companies for long-term success in a rapidly changing world.
    — Terri Eagle, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of cultivates
Verb
  • The Chinese variant actually stimulates economic activity as corrupt officials sell the rights to monetize unproductive state assets to private enterprises.
    — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 14 July 2026
  • Ancient techniques include Kobido, a Japanese holistic massage that restores balance and stimulates the muscles through rhythmic tapping and fast hand movements across the face and neck.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
Definition of stimulates
Verb
  • If a kid’s activity, date, hobby, or creative plan nudges the budget, set a clear ceiling first.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026
  • Cost per wear nudges you toward fewer regrets at the register and a closet that earns its keep.
    — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026
Definition of nudges
Verb
  • Emotional intelligence and leadership humility help executives to lead with integrity and accountability, which fosters a culture of respect and continuous improvement.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • This sentiment fosters your wanderlust vibes to explore and travel.
    — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 16 July 2026
Definition of fosters

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Cite this Entry

“Encourages.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encourages. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of encourages for Spanish Speakers

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